Sam Noir Samurai Detective

[Sparda]

Has anyone read this yet? Just bought a copy today and it was ok for an intro. It's more like a Sin city/detective/samurai story kind of book. I'll give it a try for a few more issues if it turns out to be really good.

Any thoughts?

[Jimmykitty]

Well, there's only a few issues left of this story arc. It's a 3-issue series, so it's worth giving it a shot for the whole deal. As with any FULL story it has a beginning, middle and end. Sam Noir is just starting.

I'm in it for the long run!

[lboinyamouf4sho]

i'm in for the 1st 3 issues, issue 1 was cool.

[Strannik]

I am going to wait for the trade. Sorry. It is the matter of policy for me not to buy a mini-series (especially a three-issue mini-series) as singles.

But that's just me.

[pennywisdom]

I had no idea it was so short. Well, I'm hoping it comes back. Often, if a comic gets enough support, the creators and publisher will agree it needs more life, so maybe we'll see something beyond #3.

[m_trembley]

Hey guys, Manny here.
I am glad people are digging the book.

It is only a 3 issue mini. A self contained story. There won't be a trade of the first 3 issues. A 66 page trade is too small. It won't be printed even if the book is a Cult hit and sells a bazillion copies. Shadowline just doesn't print trades that small.

If it is successful, another series can be made. Eric and I enjoy the world and characters enough to find other fun excursions.

Sparda, I appreciate you picking it up and giving it a look. In our opinions, issues 2/3 pick up the pace and I think we found our stride there. Then again, we're the ones who made it so opinions may vary.

We're both very proud of it.

[Jimmykitty]

Very good reasons to support this.

I know today's market is geared toward trades and collections (finally!) BUT that's not always the case. And with specific titles like Samurai Detective I'd rather see the initial support boost it now, than later.

I say bring on more, bigger story arcs, or just ongoing, whatever. But for now.... show 'em the love. Can't go wrong with just 3 issues.

[pennywisdom]

If it is successful, another series can be made. Eric and I enjoy the world and characters enough to find other fun excursions.
That's good to know. The previews were excellent, so I'll be picking it up with my next order.

[lboinyamouf4sho]

Hey guys, Manny here.
I am glad people are digging the book.

It is only a 3 issue mini. A self contained story. There won't be a trade of the first 3 issues. A 66 page trade is too small. It won't be printed even if the book is a Cult hit and sells a bazillion copies. Shadowline just doesn't print trades that small.

If it is successful, another series can be made. Eric and I enjoy the world and characters enough to find other fun excursions.

Sparda, I appreciate you picking it up and giving it a look. In our opinions, issues 2/3 pick up the pace and I think we found our stride there. Then again, we're the ones who made it so opinions may vary.

We're both very proud of it.

can you give us some insight on the world the story is set in??

[Sparda]

By Jimmy and Manny saying issue 2 & 3 picking up the pace I can see why. Cover to issue 2 is honest to god Master Fuyu? That guys a huge beast if it's him. If you can't tell us for spoiler reasons then I understand. Seeing the size of Fuyu or bodyguard I can see lots of struggles just by killing that behemoth beast. I'll check out the full ride on the mini.

[m_trembley]

lboinyamouf4sho, the setting...hmmm... :)

They city itself is 20's art Deco, with a wide range of people dressed in 20's era clothing and people dressed in fuedal japanese styles. Once you leave the city, the "farmland" or rural area is very much old 1800's fuedal Japan, with lords and servants. The 2 areas mix and mingle some, but there is definetly a divide between the old and new.

There is electric light and glassware and doors with glass in them in the city. But there are no guns. All the weaponry, even in the city is old world.

One of the things I really wanted to parralel is the similarities (to me) of Noir detective stories/heroes and fuedal Japanese Samurai stories/heroes.

When we (eric and I) sat down and thought through each genre, there are a bunch of veins that run thruogh both.

THe lonely hero, the dying breed of warrior, their affinity and worship beauty (dames or the world around them), the honorable system of justice, beleif in right winning out, the stubborn holding to idealistic ways even to the point of death. It was very cool to work on this and see the similarities that 2 seemingly different genres have.

It's been alot of fun.

Sparda, hmm...Fuyu, or his bodyguard? I forget. I'll have to go back and read the story. I'll let you know after Oct. 11th. (That's when issue 2 hits stands)

:)

[lboinyamouf4sho]

By Jimmy and Manny saying issue 2 & 3 picking up the pace I can see why. Cover to issue 2 is honest to god Master Fuyu? That guys a huge beast if it's him. If you can't tell us for spoiler reasons then I understand. Seeing the size of Fuyu or bodyguard I can see lots of struggles just by killing that behemoth beast. I'll check out the full ride on the mini.

i think they're gonna go the other way and have him kill the giant easily:eek: kinda like nathan jones in troy.

[lboinyamouf4sho]

lboinyamouf4sho, the setting...hmmm... :)

They city itself is 20's art Deco, with a wide range of people dressed in 20's era clothing and people dressed in fuedal japanese styles. Once you leave the city, the "farmland" or rural area is very much old 1800's fuedal Japan, with lords and servants. The 2 areas mix and mingle some, but there is definetly a divide between the old and new.

There is electric light and glassware and doors with glass in them in the city. But there are no guns. All the weaponry, even in the city is old world.

One of the things I really wanted to parralel is the similarities (to me) of Noir detective stories/heroes and fuedal Japanese Samurai stories/heroes.

When we (eric and I) sat down and thought through each genre, there are a bunch of veins that run thruogh both.

THe lonely hero, the dying breed of warrior, their affinity and worship beauty (dames or the world around them), the honorable system of justice, beleif in right winning out, the stubborn holding to idealistic ways even to the point of death. It was very cool to work on this and see the similarities that 2 seemingly different genres have.

It's been alot of fun.

Sparda, hmm...Fuyu, or his bodyguard? I forget. I'll have to go back and read the story. I'll let you know after Oct. 11th. (That's when issue 2 hits stands)

:)

sounds cool.

[Jimmykitty]

For the record....

Image Comics just announced that Samurai Detective #1 has just SOLD OUT (http://www.imagecomics.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?t=20457). So if you find it in the store that's gonna be it - unless they go to a second printing. If you ask me, this is a success, and we can only hope this tips Image to continue work with Manny and Eric.

[Sparda]

For the record....

Image Comics just announced that Samurai Detective #1 has just SOLD OUT (http://www.imagecomics.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?t=20457). So if you find it in the store that's gonna be it - unless they go to a second printing. If you ask me, this is a success, and we can only hope this tips Image to continue work with Manny and Eric.
Wow that's pretty cool. Was wondering if it becomes a smash hit, will Manny and Eric make it into a ongoing series?

[Strannik]

lboinyamouf4sho, the setting...hmmm... :)

They city itself is 20's art Deco, with a wide range of people dressed in 20's era clothing and people dressed in fuedal japanese styles. Once you leave the city, the "farmland" or rural area is very much old 1800's fuedal Japan, with lords and servants. The 2 areas mix and mingle some, but there is definetly a divide between the old and new.

There is electric light and glassware and doors with glass in them in the city. But there are no guns. All the weaponry, even in the city is old world.

One of the things I really wanted to parralel is the similarities (to me) of Noir detective stories/heroes and fuedal Japanese Samurai stories/heroes.

When we (eric and I) sat down and thought through each genre, there are a bunch of veins that run thruogh both.

THe lonely hero, the dying breed of warrior, their affinity and worship beauty (dames or the world around them), the honorable system of justice, beleif in right winning out, the stubborn holding to idealistic ways even to the point of death. It was very cool to work on this and see the similarities that 2 seemingly different genres have.

It's been alot of fun.

Sparda, hmm...Fuyu, or his bodyguard? I forget. I'll have to go back and read the story. I'll let you know after Oct. 11th. (That's when issue 2 hits stands)

:)

So, a "what if America was colonized by Japan" sort of world. Interesting.

(Being an alternate realities nerd, I tend to obsess with this sort of thing).

To be honest, I am a bit bummed out that the series won't be coming out in trade. *sigh* Oh well. I guess I'll have no choice but to pick up the first issue (somehow).

[m_trembley]

Wow that's pretty cool. Was wondering if it becomes a smash hit, will Manny and Eric make it into a ongoing series?

Sparda, in the link Jimmy posted, Jim Valentino says this, "Now, let's see that plot for Sam Noir II!!!"

Hmmm...maybe that means more Sam. ;)

With the success so ar for Sam Noir series 1, there are pplans for more stories. We won't be doing an ongoing in the Walking Dead/Invincible/Spawn, etc. way. But we do have multiple arcs planned. A series of 3 issue mini series. :)

Each should be a contained fun story that unravels a larger story arc. What we do past this first "BIG" arc is still up in the air.

[m_trembley]

So, a "what if America was colonized by Japan" sort of world. Interesting.

(Being an alternate realities nerd, I tend to obsess with this sort of thing).

To be honest, I am a bit bummed out that the series won't be coming out in trade. *sigh* Oh well. I guess I'll have no choice but to pick up the first issue (somehow).

Both Eric and I love trades. It's a great way to read a whole story arc. As of right now, this arc will not get the trade treatment. But since that decision is purely Image/Shadowlines choice, if it did ever come out, Eric and I would be first in line to get our own copies of that.

As I just told Sparda, we are doing asecond series. Who knows what will happen after that. Hopefully we'll keep making it.

I'd love to see a trade someday, but as of now, that day is a ways off.

:)

[Feste]

As I just told Sparda, we are doing asecond series. Who knows what will happen after that. Hopefully we'll keep making it.

I'd love to see a trade someday, but as of now, that day is a ways off.

:)

That's great news on the second series. I enjoyed the first issue--familiar yet unpredictable.

The trade news is only disappointing in that it likely would generate some nice sales if the next two issues continue exceeding expectations. But if a second series is already in the works, that's a great start.

[m_trembley]

Thanks Feste.

It's is very exciting that a second series is in the future.

I agree with you on the collected GN. Who knows what will happen. Image/Shadowline may decide to do a collected. If they do, then that'll be sweet. If not, hopefully fans of Sam can continue to enjoy him in issue format.

:)

[Erisu Kimu]

Just yesterday I was looking for the issues at local comic shops, but they didn't hold any. When are the trades coming out? I wanted to get into this for a week now.

[Sparda]

Just yesterday I was looking for the issues at local comic shops, but they didn't hold any. When are the trades coming out? I wanted to get into this for a week now.
Should have read the earlier posts. It had sold out. Luckily for you, next week issue 2 is coming out and you can just read the recap from the previous issue. Also Trembley stated himself, there is not gonna be a trade for it. It's just too short.

[superhornet34]

I am going to wait for the trade. Sorry. It is the matter of policy for me not to buy a mini-series (especially a three-issue mini-series) as singles.

But that's just me.

Dont post in this thread to begin with then. its 3 issues, whose to say that there will be a trade.

[m_trembley]

Just yesterday I was looking for the issues at local comic shops, but they didn't hold any. When are the trades coming out? I wanted to get into this for a week now.

We were as surprised as anyone when it officially sold out in 10 days after hitting shelves on the the 8th.

I had a co-worker read the 2nd issue and he felt like it does a good job at not loosing people. That was an outsider getting a glimpse at one of our comp copies.

The trade thing is so subjective. Our book is one of those types of books (new-unknown creators, new untested concept, etc) that really would need a strong following to ever warrant a collected trade.

As I've already stated. :) As of now there is no plan for a trade of only the first series. We are hard at work on the second series. No word just yet as to a release, but Eric and I are having fun making it. Our editor read our plans for series 2 and said, "I can't believe you're doing all that in one series, AND it works!!!"

I can't wait to see it done. It's going to be alot of fun.

Thanks for all the positive comments so far.

[m_trembley]

Just so people know. Shadowline/Image has posted the whole first issue on their site for people to read, so that people can get caught up before the release of issue 2 next Wed. the 11th.

http://www.imagecomics.com

[Jimmykitty]

Now that's what I call service!

How can you not love Manny when you can read the first issue for free?
Now let's hope everyone grabs the second issue before it also sells out.

As the pimps and pushers in my 'hood say, "the first one's free."
In short, don't expect future issues to follow that model - buy this book now, or even better, pre-order!

[m_trembley]

These "pimps" and "pushers" you speak of are wise indeed.

To my recollection, Image doesn't post more than the first issue. Or at least I've never seen it.

[Sparda]

Well issue 2 came out but did'nt got it cause the shop owner did'nt order it. Only for people who asked for it, so I asked my copy for next week. Anyway while waiting I got a question manny.

When you started on the character of Sam did you get inspirations for the character from Toshiru Mifune samurai movies like Yojimbo and Samurai 7? Just curious.

[Erisu Kimu]

^^ Ahem, "Seven Samurai" lol. "Samurai 7" is the Anime, which is loosely based off the masterpiece movie.

But, that's the same question I'm wondering too. I think I'm going to visit the comic shop today to see if they have volume 2 for sale. I read the first volume at the image comics web site just yesterday and thought it was really well done. I love the "noir" style combined with samurai action. It's freakin' cool.

[m_trembley]

Sparda,
I am a big fan of Toshiro Mifune. I am also a big fan of his movies and most Japanese sword flicks. Anime included.

Truth be told, the orginal idea for this project (which is where the name came from) had nothing to do with what we made into a comic.

The original idea was much stupider. I created it as a character for a series of short films about 6 years ago. It was a guy who looked like a ninja wearing a fedora. He sat behind a desk and ninjas attacked him. The End.

It wasn't very well developed. :P

The look of Sam as he is in the book was done 2 years ago and I drew one picture, trying to capture the noirish-detective and a stocky samurai warrior, bottled into one.
This is the first and only character design piece I did before starting the book.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/aidirisuto/SamNoircoverA.jpg

Our books is still small potatoes. So, a lot of stores will still only order books like ours for pre-order people. Our local store didn't even bother to stock copies on his shelf until enough people asked for it. Then he put 6 on his shelf and I think he was out of those in 3-4 days. To the best that I can remember.

:)

[Sparda]

^^ Ahem, "Seven Samurai" lol. "Samurai 7" is the Anime, which is loosely based off the masterpiece movie.

But, that's the same question I'm wondering too. I think I'm going to visit the comic shop today to see if they have volume 2 for sale. I read the first volume at the image comics web site just yesterday and thought it was really well done. I love the "noir" style combined with samurai action. It's freakin' cool.
Damn I knew I've somehow gotten the name wrong. =P

Wow that's pretty cool you too love Toshiru's movies :D. Anyway in the future issues of sam noir will we expect to see unique enemies like say those from Rurouni Kenshin or Ninja Scroll? Rock type enemies and the such?

Did the black and white idea for Sam Noir come from making it more manga like or just in the tradition of Sin City with a nori touch to it?

[m_trembley]

I would say that in terms of "magical characters"...the world of Sam Noir doesn't have a lot of that. We've plotted and begun production on the second mini series and I would saythere are some fantastical (is that a word) elements. But probably no "Rock" men, per se. We have enough cliches thrown down in these first 3 issues that you'd think we couldn'r harvest more cliches for the second series.

But we do...we go even further with cliche characters and cliche situations.
It is a blast. We love it. And for the people who get what Sam Noir is, I think people will love what we do in series 2.

I knew there would be comparisons to Miller's art in Sin City. That was ok with me. But it wasn't intentional. It wasn't my goal to ape his work. I LOVE Frank Millers work and his books, but a Detective story needed a B/W treatment. It would've been wrong to force it in color. IMO.

In terms of art style, I don't always work in this B/W noirish style. Infact, Sam-style is in the minority of what I do.
I beleive in allowing the art to relfect the world and story you are working in.
Like this...
http://www.pandaxpress.com/images/px_01_018.jpg
Or this...
http://www.pandaxpress.com/images/ta_01_003.jpg

So...That was prolly over kill. But the point is, I love art. I love making art to meet the story style and that best fits the characters.

:)

[TheLizard207]

issue #2 was fantastic on all levels. I don't know how many my LCS ordered but I was fortuate enough to grab the last one on the shelf (just like w/ issue #1)

[Jimmykitty]

Yeah #2 was rockin'. More of that, please.
Now I want to see this epic showdown in #3.

[shaderhacker]

I pick mine up tommorrow. My LCS held a copy for me. ;)

-M

[Jimmykitty]

If you need more convincing Sam Noir was picked out in Oct. 11th's THE BUY PILE right here on CBR.

Samurai Detective #2 (Image Comics)
Taking the cliches of Japanese cinema (as seen by those in the western world), this issue is a flawless mix of humor, action, tension and mystique. As the title character Sam Noir (seriously, that's his name) slices his way through ascending levels of dangerous henchmen with stark, pure artwork and a sense of intimacy that can't be beaten. As hard as it is to imagine, this issue is even better than the one that preceded it, a flawless and direct gestalt of two honored fictional traditions that does a great service to both. More is said with shadows and filled-in lines than anything else, a story told largely in silhouette. Fantastic entertainment here.

[Sparda]

wow..........issue 2 was really good. While one was more of a intro, 2 kept up the pace.

Some detective Sam is getting duped that easily but one hell of a swords man. Seems the big guy earlier in my post was'nt Fuyu at all. Took out his three guards easily. Akina's next :D

Hey Trembley this series is really meant for a tpb treatment really. Any chance you can go beyound issue 3 and do a issue 4 to get the tpb treat? Well next issue is gonna be good and hope in future issues we'll get an explaination on sams history.

Do you already got the basics on Sam's history coming up Trembley or needs more work?

[m_trembley]

wow..........issue 2 was really good. While one was more of a intro, 2 kept up the pace.

Some detective Sam is getting duped that easily but one hell of a swords man. Seems the big guy earlier in my post was'nt Fuyu at all. Took out his three guards easily. Akina's next :D

Hey Trembley this series is really meant for a tpb treatment really. Any chance you can go beyound issue 3 and do a issue 4 to get the tpb treat? Well next issue is gonna be good and hope in future issues we'll get an explaination on sams history.

Do you already got the basics on Sam's history coming up Trembley or needs more work?
Hey Sparda!!
There is no chance there will be an issue four for this arc. We're in production on the second mini. ANother 3 issue though. GN treatment is something we just don't know if they'll ever do it. We'd have to continue to have great sales and a high demand for Sam.
In issue one we touch on Sam's origins. Maybe sometime in the future we'll deal with his earlier life, but for now, we have a larger story we are attempting to unravel. We hope the story continues to be captivating enough to warrant us to go the distance and tell this full story. Who knows.
We will be adding other fun characters to the mix as we go. And, at least to us, they are all as quirky as Sam.
:)

[noh-varr]

Finally got the secound issue and still love the series. How he went through the guards and mentioned how cliche the set up was great! Hell even knowing that most likely the guy he wasn't going after was the real culprit didn't make the ending any less fun and enthralling. I do hope that this becomes a trade thing, it's easier to lend a trade to my friends and then convince them to buy the new issues then the seperate issues since they get destroyed. Plus I'd always rather have one volume holding the whole story anyday.

And I feel three issue trades are perfect, you can price them pretty cheap and you still get a whole story. It worked for Ministry of Defense (it's the Image book that comes to mind), but hopefully with the first issue selling out and many people loving the series the demand for a trade will be there!

[m_trembley]

We got notification that issue 2 sold out as well. They think it sold out shortly after it's release. Good news for us, not so good news for anyone who might want one.

Issue 3 comes out next wednesday.

Just wanted to let you all know.

[Sparda]

We got notification that issue 2 sold out as well. They think it sold out shortly after it's release. Good news for us, not so good news for anyone who might want one.

Issue 3 comes out next wednesday.

Just wanted to let you all know.
Well you got my support in buying issue 3. It seem's your on your way to a smash hit in the future, congrats. Just wondering on when to expect the second mini of Sammy boy?

[m_trembley]

Thanks!

The second mini release date hasn't been stated yet.

I don't think it'll be too far off. I beleive Shadowline will announce it soon...

We're almost done with the first issue of that second series.

We're having fun.

:)

[Erisu Kimu]

Yeah, it's really good. It's especially a treat for us samurai fans. Combining noir with samurai is excellent.

I grabbed the last copy at my local comic shop. I love the ending of it. I can't wait for #3 when he finally encounters that broad.

[m_trembley]

Thanks Erisu,
Issue 3 was supposed to be out last week (the 8th) but something wonky happened.

Not sure when issue 3 will actually be on shelves. I'm hoping this week...

Fingers crossed.

[Sparda]

Damn I though my Local comic shop just forgot to order issue 3. Hope it comes in on wednesday.

[matt levin]

It was a great idea to put some of Sam on-line--It was so much better than I’d expected to find, I got the first issue as soon as I saw it. The conceit works: Raymond Chandler’s Marlow, Humphrey Bogart’s Marlow, hard-boiled private dick--as a ronin seeking vengeance against his true-love’s killers, with a sharp eye, a sharp sword, and a grim sense of humor. It works. It works really well in combination with its polished-smooth, sleek, sharp black /white/gray cinematic blend of manga and Frank Miller’s “Sin City”. It’s smart, casually self-aware, it’s attractive to look at.

Thanks for making what seemed at first to me a most unworkable concept work so well!

Matt

[Sparda]

Also great that another mini of Sam is being worked on being about him being on vacation. Wonder what's gonna be the twists on that one.

I gotta ask my local comic shop guy if he can order me a copy for next year. Meanwhile I'll stick with the 2 mini's I got now (still gotta ask him about issue 3)

[m_trembley]

Thanks guys!

Issue 3 shipped late. There were issues with distribution that evnetually got sorted out. Issue shipped and hit stores on the 22nd on Nov.

Glad you guys are liking it. It's always encouraging to hear that people feel the unworkable some how works.

:)

[sgt pepper]

The internal monologue reminds me of the original Tick run (and for me, that's a very good thing) in that the characters say (or think) the most hilariously absurd things but don't seem to realize they are funny.

(although perhaps Noir's monologue is not internal as he seems to be retelling this story to the boy whose mother he killed)

[Sparda]

Finally got Sam noir 3 the other day and it was a great read. Any hints of a plot line on what to expect on the next Samurai detictive 2 series Manny?

[m_trembley]

In case you haven't seen this elsewhere.
http://www.kris-korner.com/uploads/SN_RH01cvrsmall.jpg

SAM NOIR: RONIN HOLIDAY #1 (of 3)
written by ERIC A. ANDERSON & MANNY TREMBLEY
art & cover by MANNY TREMBLEY

24 pg
BW
FEBRUARY
$2.99

“LIFE’S A BEACH AND THEN YOU DIE”
Sam thought that a tropical retreat could shield him from the pain of a love gone wrong… but when assassins interrupt his vacation, Sam is forced to put down his Piña Colada and pick up his sword. With Sam on the case, those white sandy beaches will be red in no time!

SAM NOIR: SAMURAI DETECTIVE is ™ and © Manny Trembley, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

-------
Cover to issue 2 of Ronin Holiday.
http://www.kris-korner.com/uploads/SN_RH_02cvr.jpg

[sgt pepper]

Nice pun. So will Audrey Hepburn be making an appearance?

[Sparda]

Sam Noir has finally met an opponent that he cannot just easily kill.......a Rhino. How will he ever make it out of this one?

[m_trembley]

Nice pun. So will Audrey Hepburn be making an appearance?


We loves us some puns. Sad but true.

Almost everything Eric and I create revolves around puns.

Maybe we'll grow out of it. OR not.


:P

[shaderhacker]

Please don't tell me that our hero Sam fights a Rhino? :(

-M

[m_trembley]

He does fight a rhino. But it's not like the rhino rears up on 2 legs and pulls out a sword or anything and says, "let's finish what we started 18 years a go. Now you die."

Hey, that's not half bad. I digress.

It's a part of the story.

:)

[Erisu Kimu]

^ That's always interesting :)

I need to dig the archives and get my hands on Issue #3 of the original series.

[Sparda]

Hey Manny congrats on having the first series of Sam Noir be collected in a special edition paperback. I thought it was'nt enough pages to get the paperback treatment.

[Jimmykitty]

I'm not sure, but there might be some extras in that collection to buff it up. But even without that, it's damn cool to see it collected - for those who want it in a trade.

Long live Sam Noir.

[m_trembley]

Until Image proposed/asked for a collected to make sure all people could get a copy before series 2 starts, I knew nothing about it.

The fact that all 3 issues of the first series were sold out within a week of hitting shelves I thin kwas the catalyst.

It was surprising to me that they wanted to do this.

And it's really just the 3 issues collected. Not really a Graphic Novel. There are no bonus features. But that's also why the book is cheaper than buying the 3 issue seperate.

The tricky thing about comics (and a hotly debated topic among fans and creators) is whether or not a book will hit GN stage. I'm sure you all know this already, but if single issues don't sell, collecteds don't happen. GN are more expensive to produce and require a greater level of confidence from the publisher to make happen.

We didn't sell 10's of thousands of copies, but we exceeded retailer expectations. So, this collected is meant to fill that gap between series and hopefully invite a few more people to hang with Sam.

:)

[m_trembley]

Cover for issue 3. My favorite.
http://www.kris-korner.com/uploads/SN_RH_03cvr.jpg

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

That's a sweet cover...

JP

[Jimmykitty]

Best cover, pencils down.

Hardcore Sam smoking in the coffin. Even if he died the Devil couldn't handle him.

[noh-varr]

Until Image proposed/asked for a collected to make sure all people could get a copy before series 2 starts, I knew nothing about it.

The fact that all 3 issues of the first series were sold out within a week of hitting shelves I thin kwas the catalyst.

It was surprising to me that they wanted to do this.

And it's really just the 3 issues collected. Not really a Graphic Novel. There are no bonus features. But that's also why the book is cheaper than buying the 3 issue seperate.

The tricky thing about comics (and a hotly debated topic among fans and creators) is whether or not a book will hit GN stage. I'm sure you all know this already, but if single issues don't sell, collecteds don't happen. GN are more expensive to produce and require a greater level of confidence from the publisher to make happen.

We didn't sell 10's of thousands of copies, but we exceeded retailer expectations. So, this collected is meant to fill that gap between series and hopefully invite a few more people to hang with Sam.

:)

This mostly answers the question the collection gave me when I looked through previews. Will Ronin Vacation be collected the same way or will it most likely be released in a large trade with the first mini series? I'm just missing the third issue of the first series and would really prefer to get the follow up series in one collection (it's easier to not lose) and wonder if I should get the collection just solicited and then expect to get another one for Ronin Vacation later, or just wait and get them all together in one big trade. Thank.

[m_trembley]

IF I could give you a specific answer, I would. But the truth is...Image/Shadowline make that decision without us. Whcih is fine with me, considering idon't know the first thing about marketing or PR. :P

Will there be a collected of all 6? I hope so. I want it for my shelf.
But the truth is, until sales of Ronin Holiday are all tallied, the answer remains the same, there's just no way to know.

I know I will be at Emerald City ComiCon. In Seattle. And will probably hit other cons. I do have a handful of issue I will be bringing to nay shows i go to. There also might still be stores online where you could order a copy of issue 3, if buying the collected for series 1 is extraneous.

Wish I could give you better info.

:)

[Sparda]

Just got done with reading the 2nd series of issue 1, and I liked the island setting and the Edmund character with his parakeet. Also enjoyed the action and the first time Sam almost died from the hands of a ninja but got saved. Can't wait for the fight with the rhino woman. I guess this rhino chick got hired by the chick that Sam killed in the first series? Oh well I'll see later on. Where's the setting of the island based on Manny?

[m_trembley]

Thanks Sparda.

The island locale is meant to be every generic island getaway.
As seen in any and every cheesy old timey film. Only add ninjas, rhinos and jungle ladies. You know, for flava'.

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

By the way, loved Ronin Holiday #1...I didn't see that last page coming. Please oh please oh please oh please do more Sam Noir. Awesome stuff.

JP

[sgt pepper]

So you picked the most ill fitting locale for a samurai adventure--resort island. Funny stuff. Have I already compared this to the original run of The Tick? Yes, it's that funny.

[Sparda]

Just gotten issue 2 and really liked the backstory on the pirate/cop guy. Will we see more of him in later years of Sam Noir? Maybe a spin off? This guy is pretty cool and maybe see him take revenge on the certain group of pirates that killed his dad would be cool.

[m_trembley]

Thanks JP!! Well, I think we got 1 more mini in us to wrap up this over-arching story. Hopefully we'll get to do that final mini. Not sure when.

sgt pepper, that is high praise indeed. Few shows/comics compare to the hilarity of the Tick.

Sparda, both Eric and I love Eddie Grog and would love to see him take off, avenging, pillaging, etc.
We shall be forced to wait and see.

For the few people who check this here.

Both Eric and I will be at Emerald City Comicon on Marc. 31st. Just an FYI

[H.W.]

Thanks JP!! Well, I think we got 1 more mini in us to wrap up this over-arching story. Hopefully we'll get to do that final mini. Not sure when.

sgt pepper, that is high praise indeed. Few shows/comics compare to the hilarity of the Tick.

Sparda, both Eric and I love Eddie Grog and would love to see him take off, avenging, pillaging, etc.
We shall be forced to wait and see.

For the few people who check this here.

Both Eric and I will be at Emerald City Comicon on Marc. 31st. Just an FYI

I want pictures of it! Lots!

[Sparda]

Eddie's parrot is one faithful bird for doing what he just did to the voodo guy. For a moment there I thought Eddie was gone for sure when Sam was about to end his life. Thanks for sparing him Manny. Eddie grew on me a fun character.

Well more Sam for June then.

[m_trembley]

More Sam in June means, we are collecting all 6 issues.
We got word of that a few weeks ago.

It's a pretty cool collected.

Shadowline mentioned on their board that there will be new Sam this fall/winter.

We have an as of yet unannounced book coming out in Aug. (more on that later)

And I have a book coming out in Sept/Oct. There is an ad for this book on the back of issue 3 of Ronin Holiday.

I'm currently working on that book and this secret Aug. project. Lots of stuff from us in the rest of the year.

Hopefully people want more from us idjits.

[sgt pepper]

Faster than a barracuda riding a gazelle...and that's fast!

Loved it.

Isn't it kewpie, and not cupie?

[m_trembley]

You're probably right...

I've seen it written Cupie, but hindsight tells me that Kewpie is the right way.

Doh!!!

:)

Faster than a cheetah riding a lightning bolt.